Protection and assistance for victims of human trafficking
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If you or someone you know is a victim of trafficking and you need help right away, please call:
- the human trafficking hotline at 1-833-900-1010
- your local police or
- dial 911
Special temporary resident permit for victims of human trafficking
New changes
As of February 4, 2025, you may now get a temporary resident permit (TRP) for victims of human trafficking for a longer period of time of at least 12 months, with some exceptions.
We’ll also be waiving fees not only for the initial TRP, but also for new TRPs, work permits, study permits and biometrics.
If you or someone you know is a victim of human trafficking without legal status in Canada, you may apply for a special temporary resident permit (TRP). This special permit gives you temporary immigration status in Canada.
You don’t pay a fee.
Victims of human trafficking don’t pay a fee for an initial or new TRP, work permit, study permit, or biometrics.
If you’re issued a TRP, you can also get access to health-care benefits under the Interim Federal Health Program and apply for a work permit and study permit.
We may issue you a TRP for many reasons, including to:
- escape the influence of traffickers
- give you time to further consider your options and make an informed decision on a future course of action
- have time to recover from physical or mental trauma
- for any other purpose officers may find relevant to facilitate your protection
Depending on your situation, we may issue you another TRP at the end of the first period.
Special considerations
In Canada, you do not have to testify against your trafficker to get temporary or permanent resident status.
How to apply
Victims are mostly referred to IRCC by law enforcement or non-governmental organizations. However, victims can also self-identify to IRCC.
You may need to be interviewed by an immigration officer, who will decide if you’ll get a temporary resident permit.
1. Gather your documents you’ll need to submit
- A document with your updated address, telephone number and email where it is safe to contact you about your application;
- A copy of your original passport and any identity documents in your possession;
- Any other relevant documents to support your application.
Get your documents translated and certified if they’re not in English or French
Each supporting document that isn’t in English or French must have 2 parts:
- an English or French translation that’s:
- stamped by a certified translator
- Their certification must be confirmed by a seal or stamp that shows the translator’s membership number.
- The translator should also photocopy your original document and stamp it if that’s what they based the translation on.
- All stamps and seals that aren’t in English or French must also be translated.
- You can include a scanned copy of a letter explaining that you don’t need an affidavit because you used a certified translator.
- accompanied by an affidavit from the person who completed the translation, swearing that their translation is true and accurate,
- The affidavit must be signed in the presence of an authorized person
- Use this option only if a translation cannot be completed by a certified translator.
- Both the translated document and the original document the translator worked from must be referred to in the affidavit.
- stamped by a certified translator
- a scan of the original document, or a scan of a certified photocopy of the original document, that the translator worked from.
- You only need to provide a scan of a certified photocopy of the original document if the translation was based on the certified photocopy.
Who cannot translate documents?
- Your family members
- Your immigration representative or consultant
Get copies of documents certified
To have a copy of a document certified, an authorized person must compare it to the original document and print the following on the copy:
- “I certify that this is a true copy of the original document.”
- the name of the original document
- the date of the certification
- the name of the authorized person
- their official position or title
- their signature
Who can certify copies and be the witness to an affidavit
In Canada, examples of authorized persons who can certify the copies of your original documents and be the witness to an affidavit include:
- a notary public
- a commissioner of oaths
- a commissioner of taking affidavits
Authority to certify varies by province and territory. Check with your provincial or territorial authorities to be sure who can certify your documents.
Outside Canada, each country has different authorities to certify documents. A notary public may be able to certify your documents, but you should check with your local authorities to be sure.
Who cannot certify copies or be the witness to an affidavit
An authorized person can’t certify a copy of a document or be the witness to an affidavit if they’re also:
- the principal applicant or the applicant’s sponsor (if this applies)
- a family member of the principal applicant or the applicant’s sponsor (parent, guardian, sibling, spouse, common-law partner, conjugal partner, grandparent, child, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew or first cousin)
2. Complete the forms
Read the instruction guide (opens in a new tab) for instructions on how to complete your application.
- Fill out an application form to remain in Canada as a temporary resident permit holder (IMM 5708) (opens in a new tab)
- Fill out an additional application form if you’re also applying for a study permit or a work permit.
- If a representative is acting on your behalf:
- fill out the Use of a Representative (IMM 5476) (opens in a new tab) form
- sign it digitally or by hand and get your representative to do so as well
3. Mail your application
You or your representative (if applicable), who acts on your behalf, will need to mail the completed application to the IRCC Vulnerable Persons Unit at the address below, and make sure you write the letters “VTIP” on the outside of the envelope to help us quickly identify your application:
VTIP
IRCC - VPU
5343 Dundas Street West, Suite 105
Toronto, ON M9B 6K5
Track your application
If you submit a paper application, we recommend that you use a postal or courier service with a tracking number to ensure you get proof that your application was delivered to the IRCC office.
Find out how to check if your application has been received.
